MDN’s Energy Stories of Interest: Wed, Jan 21, 2026 [FREE ACCESS]
OTHER U.S. REGIONS: Glenfarne announces partnership with Danaos to advance Alaska LNG; Massachusetts punts another green promise; The Trump administration favors natural gas – what does that mean for CT?; NATIONAL: EIA expects lower gasoline prices in 2026 and 2027 as crude oil prices fall; DeSmog backfires again – fundraising help for ‘skeptic’ organizations?; INTERNATIONAL: Oil settles higher on black sea supply risks; India is now UAE’s largest customer of LNG; EV-only is collapsing – gas cars are back in the U.S. and Europe.
OTHER U.S. REGIONS
Glenfarne announces partnership with Danaos to advance Alaska LNG
Glenfarne Group, LLC
Glenfarne Alaska LNG and Danaos Corporation have entered a strategic partnership to accelerate the Alaska LNG Project. Under the agreement, Danaos will invest $50 million in development capital and facilitate the construction and operation of at least six LNG carriers for global delivery. This partnership highlights Alaska LNG’s geographic advantage of short, canal-free shipping routes to Asian markets. Lead developer Glenfarne is advancing the project in two phases: a 739-mile pipeline for domestic needs and an export terminal with 20 MTPA capacity. Danaos joins existing partners like Baker Hughes and POSCO International to bolster this major North Pacific energy initiative. [MDN: It’s a lot closer to send LNG from Alaska to Asian markets than it is to sail LNG from the Gulf Coast through the Panama Canal. Makes sense. Too bad Danaos isn’t building Jones Act-compliant ships.]
Massachusetts punts another green promise
Washington (DC) Post – Editorial Board
Governor Maura Healey is postponing Massachusetts’ “Clean Heat Standard” and electric vehicle mandates, delaying implementation until at least 2028. Originally designed to phase out fossil fuels for expensive electric heat pumps, these regulations faced backlash due to high electricity costs and logistical challenges. The article argues these delays are politically timed for Healey’s re-election, allowing her to claim a focus on affordability without abandoning climate goals. While providing temporary relief to ratepayers, the state’s legally binding commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 ensures that residents will still face significant future costs for these aggressive energy transitions. [MDN: Democrats like Healey are such liars and sleazebags. She bashed fossil fuels and obstructed pipelines FOR YEARS, and her policies led to the “affordability crisis” in her state of electric prices through the roof. Now she’s pulling back long enough to get reelected before she restarts her fossil fuel-bashing routine again. SLEAZEBAG.]
The Trump administration favors natural gas – what does that mean for CT?
Hartford (CT) Business Journal
The Trump administration’s “Unleashing American Energy” policy prioritizes natural gas expansion and exports, directly impacting Connecticut by halting renewable projects like Revolution Wind. While President Trump promotes gas as a solution for reliability and affordability, critics argue that infrastructure costs and global competition may actually increase consumer rates. Consequently, Connecticut is reassessing its energy strategy, with Governor Lamont considering an “all-of-the-above” approach that includes expanded gas access. This shift faces opposition due to significant methane leak risks and federal efforts to override state environmental protections, complicating Connecticut’s long-term decarbonization goals amidst rising local gas consumption. [MDN: Stupid people continue to act stupid with respect to energy policy. There are some stupid people in New England who insist on ending natural gas when it is the ONLY energy source that can meet energy needs at the right price. Lesson: Don’t be stupid.]
NATIONAL
EIA expects lower gasoline prices in 2026 and 2027 as crude oil prices fall
U.S. Energy Information Administration – Today in Energy
The Short-Term Energy Outlook forecasts U.S. retail gasoline prices will decrease 6% in 2026 and rise 1% in 2027, generally remaining below 2025 levels. While falling global crude oil prices—expected to hit 2020 lows—drive this trend, domestic refinery capacity reductions will likely offset some savings, particularly on the West Coast. Regional prices will stay highest in the West and lowest in the Gulf Coast. Although refinery “crack spreads” are expected to increase due to tighter inventories and lower production, the overall forecast continues a downward price trend from the historic highs reached in mid-2022. [MDN: The price decrease in gasoline has been noticeable over the past week or two. Cheaper gasoline means cheaper transportation costs, rippling through the entire economy.]
DeSmog backfires again – fundraising help for ‘skeptic’ organizations?
MasterResource
Robert Bradley Jr. argues that DeSmog’s investigative hit pieces against climate skeptic organizations, particularly the Heartland Institute, are counterproductively serving as successful fundraising tools. Heartland’s president, James Taylor, frames DeSmog’s negative reporting as a progress report documenting their expanding global influence across the UK and Europe. By highlighting Heartland’s engagement with international policymakers and figures like Nigel Farage, DeSmog inadvertently showcases their success in challenging net-zero mandates and climate alarmism. Ultimately, the article suggests that being targeted by DeSmog has become a badge of honor for skeptics, validating their ongoing efforts to promote affordable energy, food security, and national sovereignty. [MDN: Years ago, DeSmog’s editor ran a smear piece on MDN in the Huffington Post. We consider it a badge of honor.]
INTERNATIONAL
Oil settles higher on black sea supply risks
Bloomberg/Rigzone
Oil prices rose as traders weighed supply disruptions in the Black Sea against market volatility fueled by President Trump’s ambition to acquire Greenland. West Texas Intermediate climbed 1.5% to settle above $60, supported by production halts in Kazakhstan’s Tengiz field and drone strikes affecting the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal. While immediate geopolitical risks and cold weather boosting diesel demand provided upward momentum, analysts warn of potential downside risks. These include a looming US-EU trade war over tariff threats and a forecasted global supply surplus of 3.8 million barrels per day, which could eventually pressure prices despite current regional instability. [MDN: WTI for February delivery, which expired Tuesday, rose 1.5% to settle at $60.34 a barrel. The more active March WTI contract gained 1.7% to $60.36 a barrel. Brent for March settlement added 1.5% to settle at $64.92 a barrel. Back in the $60s.]
India is now UAE’s largest customer of LNG
Rigzone
India has emerged as the UAE’s largest LNG customer, solidified by a new 10-year agreement between ADNOC Gas and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). Valued at up to $3 billion, this deal involves the annual supply of 0.5 million tons of LNG to India’s Chhara terminal. Over the last 24 months, bilateral energy contracts have reached $20 billion, with India projected to receive 20% of ADNOC’s total LNG output by 2029. This strategic partnership reinforces the UAE’s role as a primary energy supplier while supporting India’s goal to increase natural gas to 15% of its energy mix by 2030. [MDN: Too bad our “friends” in India aren’t buying more U.S. LNG.]
EV-only is collapsing – gas cars are back in the U.S. and Europe
CBT News
The article argues that the anticipated transition to an all-electric vehicle future is failing as internal combustion engines regain popularity across the U.S. and Europe. According to a report from EY, 50% of global car buyers now intend to purchase gasoline-powered vehicles, while interest in fully electric cars has dropped by 10 percentage points and hybrids by 5 points. This shift is attributed to government policy reversals, trade disputes, and persistent consumer concerns regarding high costs and inadequate charging infrastructure. Consequently, automakers and regulators are reassessing aggressive EV mandates in favor of a market still demanding practical and affordable gas-powered alternatives. [MDN: Rationality has returned to the world, and none too soon.]